Wednesday’s pregame notes and line-ups vs. the Padres

Here’s some pregame video of McClendon talking about Tony Gwynn. He also talked about Felix’s hitting. He prefers to not have pitchers out there taking crazy hacks in games. It’s a reason why he doesn’t have them hit on the field ever.

McClendon on James Jones …

“This guy is a student of the game. He knows what he’s doing. He recognizes situations. He understands what pitchers are tying to do to him. He’s excelled at a lot faster pace than I thought we would.”

On batting Jones second …

It gives him a chance to see the pitcher a little bit. Every day is a new experience for him. When he goes out, he’ll see this guy for the first time. Having Endy in front of him, hopefully gives him five or six pitches to see what this guy is trying to do to hitters.

On his baserunning …

My hope is that it gives (Cano) fastballs. And if they don’t give Robby fastballs, it gives (Jones) a good chance to steal a base.

Injury updates

*** Hisashi Iwakuma (neck) threw a flat ground session.

“He’s not 100 percent but he’s getting better,” McClendon said.

Iwakuma is still scheduled to make his start on Friday in Kansas City vs. James Shields.

*** Justin Smoak (strained quad) is starting his rehab assignment tonight with Class AAA Tacoma. He is at DH tonight and batting seventh.

“The leg is feeling good,” McClendon said. “He will DH the first day or two and then get back in the field. He just needs to get his at-bats built back up.”

But don’t expect Smoak to be out on rehab for 20 days like Logan Morrison.

“I don’t foresee this being a 20 day for Justin,” McClendon said.

*** Corey Hart (strained hamstring) and Michael Saunders (shoulder inflammation) are expected to join the Rainiers on Friday. Saunders is taking batting practice on the field today in Tacoma. Hart will DH mainly to start off with. He’ll then eventually play some first base and then outfield.

Hart could see close to the full 20 days.

“When he comes back here, I want him swinging the bat well,” McClendon said. “He needs some at-bats. He’s missed a significant amount of time.”

From earlier

No DH here in San Diego, line-up seems pretty typical

The Mariners lead this year’s Vedder Cup standings 2-0 after the two-game Safeco sweep. But how can you lose when Jesus Montero gets a start at first base and also hits a homer.